High-Risk Pregnancies Being to be Relocated from Portiuncula University Hospital

The move comes in response to ten separate reviews initiated by the HSE into the care provided to women and babies at Portiuncula. These investigations were triggered by seven cases of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)—a serious condition caused by reduced oxygen or blood flow to a baby’s brain—occurring in 2024 and early 2025. Six of these infants required neonatal therapeutic hypothermia - a treatment known as neonatal cooling.

Additionally, two stillbirths in 2023 remain under external review.

There is a pattern of recurring incidents at Portiuncula University Hospital dating back to at least 2008. A 2018 report led by Professor James Walker, commissioned after concerns emerged in 2015, examined 18 births and found that six resulted in stillbirths or neonatal deaths. The report identified serious systemic failures, including:

• Inadequate staffing levels
• Poor communication among maternity staff
• Lack of proper training
• Delayed recognition of clinical emergencies

Despite assurances that corrective measures were implemented following the Walker report, similar issues have resurfaced, suggesting that any reforms may have been insufficient.

In light of the findings from recent reviews, the HSE has confirmed that women deemed by treating clinicians to have high-risk pregnancies will now receive antenatal care at Galway University Hospital or another facility of their choice.

As the reported outcome of the 2025 reviews is expected imminently, families await clarity on the scope of the failures and the measures being taken to ensure safe, accountable maternity care going forward. They and the people serviced by Portiuncula University Hospital deserve full disclosure and robust oversight to prevent further tragedies.

 Written by Johan Verbruggen.